Energy Communities and the Legacy of Post-Socialism

The report "Energy Communities and the Legacy of Post-Socialism" produced in collaboration with the CoopTech Hub and supported by the HBS offices in Prague, Tirana, Thessaloniki, Belgrade, and Sarajevo, compiles interviews with participants from the European Energy Communities Forum. This event, organised by Rescoop and Unie komunitní energetiky, took place in Prague from 13 to 15 May. Last year we attended a similar conference in Athens during the Community Energy Spring Gathering. This year’s forum highlights interviews with representatives from Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, and the Balkans. We focus on a long-standing yet underexplored topic: how the communist legacy influences energy communities and cooperatives. This special study presents the results of sessions dedicated to energy communities, in particular the development of energy communities in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and how they have been influenced by the experience of communism. One key finding is that, despite complying with EU directives, many Central and Eastern European countries lack robust regulatory frameworks to fully support energy communities. Superficial implementation of EU laws has led to a fragmented regulatory environment, lacking the clarity needed to promote community-based renewable energy. Public policies in the region still often favour centralised energy solutions over decentralised, community-led renewable energy initiatives. Limited collaboration between municipalities, Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and local energy communities remains a major challenge. Citizen-led initiatives are often viewed as disruptors of the status quo rather than partners in achieving energy security and sustainability. This mindset, combined with low public awareness and weak policy support, isolates these communities, slowing their growth. Greater collaboration and support could unlock their potential.